Chapter 0058

Victor's eyes flicker with fear for just a second before it morphs into something darker. Hunger. Desire. The look makes my skin crawl.

"Admittedly, I had high expectations for you, Guardian," he rasps, voice dripping with lust. "But you're already surpassing them."

A cruel smile twists his lips as his gaze darkens.

"You have no idea what hell you've unleashed," I snarl, unleashing Selene's full power.

The surrounding wolves collapse instantly, whimpering in submission. Four more tumble from the trees, dart guns clattering beside them. Even Adrian is sweating under the force of my aura.

Victor alone resists, muscles straining as I focus my energy on him.

"Enough!" He presses the blade deeper into Adrian's throat. A thin line of blood appears. "Drop it or I slit his throat."

"Kill my Alpha, and you lose your only bargaining chip," I counter. But I release the pressure.

The rogue wolves pant heavily, some still writhing in pain. I lock eyes with Victor. "I know who you are. The Banished Beta of Obsidian Moon."

He gives a mocking bow. "Close. I'm an Alpha now."

I scoff. "You reek of Beta. Titles aren't earned through self-proclamation."

His snarl sends the blade kissing Adrian's skin again. "Spill more of my Alpha's blood, and your life is forfeit, Beta," I emphasize the word.

Selene's rage burns through me. She wants vengeance. Blood. I pace, calculating distances.

"So," I demand, "what does a false Alpha want with mine?"

"Future Alpha," Victor corrects with a sneer. "Since titles matter so much to you."

"He carries more Alpha essence in his pinky than you possess in your entire being."

Victor's jaw clenches. "Not for long. My plans are already in motion."

"Plans that involve kidnapping?" My voice drops to a lethal whisper. "Selene was named for the moon goddess of the hunt. We will track you to the ends of the earth if necessary."

"Fortunately," he taunts, "your Alpha's role concludes here."

My gaze flicks to Adrian's. I measure the distance. Calculate the odds. The resignation in his eyes tells me everything.

Still, I shift my weight forward.

"I'll make you an offer, Guardian." Victor's words freeze me mid-step.

"Which is?"

"Your Alpha was merely bait. What I truly want... is you."

"Me?" A bitter laugh escapes. Does he truly believe my loyalty can be bought?

"Come willingly, and I release him."

"NO!" Adrian thrashes against the blade. "I forbid it, Evelyn!"

Victor pats Adrian's cheek mockingly. "Poor pup. Alpha commands hold no power over Guardians." His gaze returns to me. "Well, Evelyn? Do we have a deal?"

"How do I know you'll honor it?"

"I'll leave him here, unconscious, for his pack to find." He tosses silver cuffs at my feet. "But struggle, and I kill him."

Adrian shakes his head violently.

This is my purpose. My destiny. And I know with absolute certainty - my father, my pack, Sebastian and Nightshade - they will burn the world to find me.

Victor Blackwood has just declared war.

"I agree."

Adrian's roar of protest cuts off as a needle pierces his neck. His body hits the ground with a thud.

"The cuffs, Guardian."

The silver sears my wrists the moment they click shut. Selene weakens but doesn't fade completely. Victor grips my arm with bruising force.

"Move."

He drags me into the shadows.